COVID Toxicity
COVID Toxicity
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COVID-19 Vaccine Myths

Debunking myths on the COVID-19 Vaccine. The COVID-19 Vaccine develops acquired immunity by building up stores of memory T-cells and B-cells in the body for future attacks on the COVID-19 virus. The three main COVID-19 vaccines being developed at the moment are the mRNA vaccines, that will destroy the virus' genetic material, the protein subunit vaccine that will present a copy of the COVID-19 protein to the immune system, and the vector vaccines which will introduce an inactivated version of the COVID-19 virus. (CDC, 2020). Myth: The vaccine will infect me with COVID-19. Fact: Only a live virus will cause a COVID-19 infection, so far none of the vaccines in development use a live virus. Instead, the vaccines aim to teach the immune system to recognize and fight off the virus without having to infect the individual with COVID-19. Some of the side effects are similar to the infection symptoms like a fever because the body is learning the proper immune response to the virus (CDC, 2020). Myth: the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will alter my DNA. Fact: The mRNA from the COVID-19 vaccine doesn't enter the cells' nucleus and never interacts with the DNA. The mRNA in the vaccine is used to instruct the cells to produce a harmless protein. Once the cells know how to produce the protein, the mRNA is broken down. The immune system recognizes the foreign protein and starts to build immunity against it by producing antibodies that will fight off future infections of the COVID-19 virus. (CDC, 2020). Myth: Vaccination isn't necessary after gaining natural immunity. Fact: The natural immunity gained after recovering from the COVID-19 infection is not long lasting and will vary within the population. A vaccine-induced immunity will provide better protection for a longer period, which will be important to prevent re-infection of the virus after natural immunity fails (CDC, 2020). Myth: Vaccines will use biosensors to invade my privacy. Fact: Biosensors are bring used for the developmental stages of the COVID-19 vaccine. they won't be inserted into or used on individuals getting vaccinated. The biosensor's role is to reduce the time it takes for a vaccine to be developed by using its rapid and very sensitive sensors to confirm the efficacy of immunization for potential vaccines (Bhalla et al. 2020). Myth: The flu vaccine will protect me against COVID-19. Fact: the flu vaccine doesn't provide protection against the COVID-19 infection. The flu is caused by the influenza virus, and COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The vaccines target two different viruses and the flu vaccine won't be able to provide protection against SARS-CoV-2. However, the flu vaccine will greatly reduce the risk of the flu and conserves health care resources crucial for COVID-19 patients. (CDC, 2020). Myth: Development of the vaccine is being rushed, and therefore is not safe. Fact: Given the urgency for a COVID-19 vaccine, there have been global scientific collaborations with huge financial investments that will support the research and development of the vaccine. Even though the development of the vaccine is being accelerated there are still strict regulations and safety standards implemented by individuals and federal organizations to ensure optimal safety (WHO, 2020). Myth: COVID-19 vaccinations will end the pandemic. Fact: Vaccinations alone will not end the pandemic. The other preventative measures like wearing masks and social distancing will work with the vaccines to reduce the spread of the virus enough for herd immunity to occur. The combination of tools available will provide the best protection from spreading and receiving the COVID-19 virus (CDC, 2020). Vaccinations SLOW the spead."
Infographic provided by Dufault, Howes, Issa, Johnson, and Whitten